Penarth residents deeply concerned by 20m phone mast

On August 29, residents were notified that a 20m high monopole with wraparound cabinets at its base is proposed to be installed on Dinas Road. 

It will support 9no. antenna apertures and 2no. 300mm diameter transmission dishes along with 5no. Equipment cabinets and ancillary development thereto.

The consultation letter (Image: Newsquest)

The radio station at the nearby fire station which provides network coverage for the area will be lost due to reasons beyond the operator's control, the letter explained.

If a replacement site is not found ‘at the earliest opportunity’ to replicate the coverage, there will be a loss of communications and data services, it added.

The letter was sent on behalf of mobile operators EE and 3 (H3G) by Waldon Telecom Ltd.

The view from her window showing where in her garden the mast will be visible (Image: Newsquest)One resident, Geraldine Caldwell, 75, who is deeply concerned by the plans has written three council members a letter of objection.

Mrs Caldwell invited us into her home to show us exactly where the mast will be visible from her garden.

“This is where we live, if you look here, it will go just behind there. It will be twice the height of the house.

“We have written to three council with a letter of objection. I don’t know who has seen the letters.

“I’m quite frustrated how there is no information coming our way. These houses are going to be affected.

“I have been on the internet and apparently it is going to impact the value of the house by something like 15 to 25 per cent.

“The garden is part of our home, and we are never going to be without the look of it - I’m sick to my stomach at the thought of it.”

Janet and Hans Nehls stood in front of their house (Image: Newsquest)Janet, 69, and her husband Hans Nehls 75, who live adjacent to the proposed site are also worried about the plans.

“I’m not happy to be honest. I just think they could have put it in a different place, not right in the middle.

“I have lived here for 13 years, and it was a bit of a shock. I know we have to have them, but it is about the place they decide to put them.

“The need to reconsider, I think they are spoiling Penarth with what they are doing. I think it is all about money.”

“It is not ideal. A lot of people feel upset about it. It changes the green spaces with the trees,” added her husband.

A resident who lived slightly further away said: “I’m ambivalent really, but it could help some people who work from home.”